The Sydney Roosters have today confirmed contract extensions for up-and-coming juniors Joseph Manu, Latrell Mitchell and Shaquai Mitchell, despite interest from other clubs.
Currently in their first full season of participation in the NYC Competition, the trio were members of the Sydney Roosters SG Ball Premiership winning side in 2014.
Latrell Mitchell and Shaquai Mitchell will continue their development with the Tricolours after signing until the end of 2019, while Manu has signed a two-year extension that will take him through to the end of 2017.
Latrell Mitchell, who today celebrates his 18th birthday, was named 2014 SG Ball Player of the Year and was player of the match in last year’s SG Ball grand final. He capped the year by being named player of the tour in the Australian Schoolboys seven game expedition to England and France, playing in every game and scoring 13 tries. The young fullback has continued to apply himself and improve throughout this season.
Possessing great ball skills and leadership potential, 19 year-old Shaquai Mitchell continues to develop in all aspects of performance, playing in both the front and second row so far this year.
An outside back capable of playing at fullback, wing or centre, 18 year-old Joseph Manu took the step up from SG Ball to NYC in 2014 and quickly adapted to the step-up, impressing with his blistering pace and try-scoring ability.
Eventual selection in the Junior Kiwis capped off a breakthrough year for Manu, who has continued to be a strong performer in the centres for the Roosters Under 20s side.
Roosters recruitment manager, Peter O’Sullivan, was pleased to have the trio locked in to the Club’s long-term plans.
“While they still have a way to go, we’re confident in the potential Joseph, Latrell and Shaquai each possess. They’re each wonderful young men in their own right, and we will continue to work with them, giving them every opportunity to take that next step,” said O’Sullivan.
The re-signing of the up-and-coming trio is in line with the Club’s policy to develop young players with whom the team can grow, with the club also recently re-signing backrower Sio Siua Taukeiaho, who has cemented his position in the NRL squad this year.
